Every once in a while, while I am overhauling my bike, I take the links off, pop off one seal on each bearing, and clean out as best I can, pack in new grease, seal it, spin the bearing a bunch, re-clean the bearing and repack, good as new.

I sent the question on the Ibis (after there were no replies in the first 80 views or so) and here is the response from them, which corroborates your input.

"The links on the HD are pretty robust. You live in a relatively dry place as well, so the longevity should be good. If you like, you could peel off the seals and put grease in there periodically. That's about all I'd suggest. You're correct not to spray the bearings directly with water, at least not high pressure water.
Eventually, you will need to replace them. The easiest way is to buy the links from us. Alternatively, you can attempt to purchase bearings and put them in yourself. It's not real easy though, which is why we don't sell bearing kits. You'll need a press and some special tools.
Scot"